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This is a historical illustration depicting HMS Beagle, the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his famous voyage, laid ashore on the banks of the River Santa Cruz in Patagonia, South America. The scene is from Darwin's expedition between 1831 and 1836, documented in his book The Voyage of the Beagle. ►Date of the event: April–May 1834.►Location: River Santa Cruz, Patagonia (now in Argentina).►Purpose: Captain Robert FitzRoy ordered the Beagle to be grounded (or "laid ashore") to allow the crew to careen the ship—tilting it on its side for cleaning, repairing the hull, and removing marine growth (like barnacles) that slowed the vessel. This was a common naval maintenance practice. ►Darwin’s activities: While the ship was ashore, Darwin explored the surrounding region on foot and horseback, collecting geological and fossil evidence (including giant extinct mammals) that later supported his ideas on evolution and Earth’s history. ■ VINTAGE ETCHING circa late 19th century. Digital restoration by Pictore. Authentic illustration free of AI